Veteran defenceman Luke Richardson signs with Ottawa Senators

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Veteran defenceman Luke Richardson signs with Ottawa Senators

The 38-year-old signed with his hometown Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, agreeing to a one-year, two-way contract. Richardson had three assists and 16 penalty minutes in 27 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season.

The 19-year NHL veteran was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round (seventh overall) in 1987. He went on to play for Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia, Columbus and Toronto again before joining Tampa Bay.

In 1,339 career NHL games, he has 33 goals, 159 assists and 2,012 penalty minutes.

"Luke is a character player who brings experience to our club," Senators GM Bryan Murray said in a statement. "We feel he can be a leader who can be an great example for our young defenceman to learn from."

Richardson also comes with a modest pride tag. He made US$500,000 last season.